Nurse sent home

THE nurse from Navua Hospital at the centre of an investigation for her alleged action that resulted the death of a newborn has been suspended and the minister responsible has apologised.

According to a statement issued by Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma, they have suspended the Navua nurse alleged to have misdirected Akisi Naiuruuru.

Ms Naiuruuru was told she would not be seen at Navua Hospital even though she was in labour and was told to go to Suva instead, which allegedly resulted in a complicated delivery leading to the death of her infant daughter.

"This is an appalling case. A woman in labour should be examined and if a medical condition existed, she should have been referred to CWMH in an ambulance with a nurse escort," said Dr Sharma.

"The question of this still birth needs to be investigated by our team, as this may or may not be result of the abnormal method of referral".

Dr Sharma said medical staff work under pressure but common sense must be used under all circumstances if the public is to have any confidence.

He added the process and procedures were well spelt out but unfortunately certain renegade personnel derailed sound clinical practice.

Dr Sharma apologised to Ms Naiuruuru and her family for their loss and said they would leave no stone unturned in this matter.

The minister has also directed the Labasa Hospital Acting Medical Superintendent to immediately complete investigations of the wrongly prescribed medicines issued to Ram Raji.

Dr Sharma will travel to Labasa to address incompetence in service delivery and a senior management meeting has been called for this week as well.